FA won't pursue Barton racism claim

The Football Association will not pursue any investigation against Joey Barton after Aston Villa confirmed they had no complaint to make in relation to an incident involving forward Gabriel Agbonlahor and the Newcastle midfielder.

It had been alleged Barton made a racist comment towards Agbonlahor in the Monday night clash at St James' Park but the England Under-21 striker had
already decided he did not want to take the matter further and now his club have said have no complaint to lodge either.

As a consequence, the FA now consider the matter closed.

"The FA wrote to Aston Villa this morning to ask for any information the club
could provide regarding allegations reported in Wednesday's media of remarks
made by Joey Barton to Gabriel Agbonlahor during Villa's match against Newcastle
on Monday," said a statement from the FA.

"The club has responded to inform us that they have no complaints to make. On
this basis, The FA will not be pursuing this matter."

Agbonlahor could be in UEFA Cup action tonight, although Villa boss Martin
O'Neill admitted he will give some of his fringe players a run-out against
Slavia Prague with a Barclays Premier League match against Middlesbrough on
Sunday.